So, I’m not really one to get wrapped up in the whole March Madness thing. I put together a bracket once in college, but haven’t attempted one since. I guess I’m just not that excited about basketball. Marsh Madness is an entirely different story. When Quirk Books asked me if I wanted to compete against 15 other bloggers in a marshmallow making contest, I was like, “Uhhhh… … … Yeah!” Making homemade marshmallows has been on my foodie to-do list for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to participate in the competition. I was tasked to prepare some sort of marshmallow creation based upon the original vanilla recipe found in Shauna Sever’s Marshmallow Madness. Continue reading to see what I came up with. Also, I’m giving away 3 copies of Marshmallow Madness. Details below.
Of the many variations on vanilla marshmallows found in Shauna’s book, one in particular really spoke to me. Maple. Bacon. Yes, that’s right. A maple flavored marshmallow studded with salty-sweet bits of candied bacon. Yum.
To make this recipe my own, I decided to blow torch the marshmallows till caramelized, top with bittersweet chocolate then sandwich between two honey-sweet, homemade graham crackers. Aka. Maple Bacon S’mores. I’ve always enjoyed the combination of bacon and chocolate, so this pairing seemed natural to me. Sprinkled with raw sugar and smoked sea salt, my homemade graham crackers accent the flavors of the mallow while providing a most satisfying, buttery crunch. This project may seem a bit in depth, but I urge to spend some time on a weekend putting together these whimsical confections. You won’t be sorry.
A few notes on making marshmallows. I found the process fairly easy; however, some special equipment is needed. Before attempting this recipe, be sure you have a candy thermometer and a stand mixer. Also, the marshmallows require a 6 hour rest period, so plan your time accordingly. I prepared my mallows in the evening then finished them off the next morning.
Continue on for the recipe and giveaway.
Quirk Books has graciously given me 3 copies of Marshmallow Madness to give away to Kitchen Konfidence readers!
To enter you can do one or all of the following:
1. Leave me a comment below sharing your favorite treat that has marshmallows in it.
2. Like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook. [leave a separate comment below for entry]
3. Subscribe to the Kitchen Konfidence recipe digest. [leave a separate comment below for entry]
I will be collecting entries until 11:59pm on February 26, 2012. Winners will be selected and announced shortly after. For US residents only. Good luck! Continue on for the recipe.
I couldn’t resist taking a bite. So, so delicious.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, divided (1/8 for bacon, 1/8 for marshmallows)
- 6 slices hickory smoked bacon
- Unflavored cooking spray
- 4 1/2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (use the high quality stuff here)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water (filtered or bottled preferably)
- 1/3 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- Graham crackers, for serving (preferably homemade)
- Bittersweet chocolate, for serving
- Start by making candied bacon. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Combine light brown sugar and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon on a plate, using your hands to mix. Rub each slice of bacon with cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. Lay strips of bacon on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until deeply caramelized. Let cool then finely chop. Measure out 1/2 cup (1 1/2 oz.) for the marshmallows and set aside. Save remainder for snacking.
- Lightly coat a 8 by 8 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess spray.
- Combine gelatin and cold water in a small bowl, whisking to combine. Let stand for at least 5 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine white sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, water and sea salt, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches 240°F. If the mixture starts to bubble up too much, lower the heat. Once the mixture reaches 240°F, take it off the heat.
- Microwave the gelatin on high for 30 seconds. Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on low for a moment then slowly pour in the hot syrup mixture. Increase the speed to medium (number six on my mixer) and beat for 5 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high (number eight) and beat for 3 minutes. Add 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon then beat on the highest speed possible (number ten) for 1 minute.
- Using a silicon spatula, quickly fold in the candied bacon bits. Pour the marshmallow into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. In a small bowl, combine confectioner’s sugar and corn starch, whisking to combine. Sift a few spoonfuls of the sugar-starch mixture evenly over the marshmallow. Set aside the rest of the sugar-starch mixture to use once the marshmallows are cut.
- Let the marshmallow set for at least 6 hours in a cool, dry place. Run a sharp knife along the edges of the pan to release the marshmallow. Invert onto a cutting board. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the slab (I used a 2 1/2 inch round) or use a sharp knife to cut the slab into even pieces. Finish by dusting each piece with the sugar-starch mixture. I found the easiest way to do this was to put the cut marshmallows in a medium mesh basket strainer (see picture above) set over the bowl containing the sugar-starch mixture. Sprinkle with the pieces with the mixture then use your hands to toss. Repeated until marshmallows are evenly coated.
- To serve, roast marshmallows over an open flame or carefully caramelize with a blow torch. Top with a piece of bittersweet chocolate then sandwich between two graham crackers.
[...] Contact stLight.options({publisher:'wp.dff0578a-b48c-4715-85be-2ef6693b35cb'}); ← Bacon and Tomato Guacamole Maple Bacon S’mores → [...]
Brandon your marshmallows turned out amazing! And the graham crackers look perfect, too! What a creative idea (bacon) and the little stacks are just…perfect.
You make for very stiff competition in this little March Madness contest
Haha thanks Averie!!
I’m fairly certain THIS would be my favorite recipe with marshmallow in it!
Maple, Bacon, Chocolate and Graham Crackers? This just screams flavor explosion.
Good luck in the contest!
Thanks Jorge
You really kicked it up by adding the bacon to the smores! Beautifully done…they look so delicious and fantastic presentation.
Wow – those look AMAZING.
For my “entry” does it get better than a Peanut Butter Banana and Marshmallow Sandwich? Imagine that with Maple Chocolate Bacon Marshmallows!
Yes Please.
That sounds like a delicious combination!
Smores rock, but bacon is awesome so this would have to be one of the best receipes I’ve seen.
These look AMAZING. Great job!
Oh. These look incredible! I just got a bacon chocolate bar in a gift package this week, and I’ve been savoring it. Adding marshmallow into the mix would be even better! I would definitely choose s’mores as my favorite marshmallow treat. I hope to have s’mores cupcakes for my birthday this year!
Nice! Yeah I love bacon chocolate bars.
The classic S’more has always been my favorite marshmallow goody. However, your recipe looks absolutely Ah-mazing!!! I have been wanting to make homemade ‘mallows for awhile, myself. You just shoved me a little bit further down the do-er line.
i like krispy treats made with cinnamon
My favorites are either homemade hot chocolate & marshmallows or asian spiced rice crispy treats with homemade marshmallows, ginger, black, and white sesame seeds.
Hmmm, asian style rice crispy treats. How interesting! Might be fun to add Chinese 5 Spice as well.
Wow. This is one of the more phenomenal looking desserts I have seen in some time. Gluttonous perfect if I might say so. Well done!
uhm…I think this may be my new favorite marshmallow treat!
Before I saw this though, i would say it’s homemade devil dogs with homemade marshmallow fluff filling.
My fav is very simple: hot chocolate. I always put about 3 large marshmallows in the milk as it is warming. And then I’ll top it off with a couple more after it’s heated!
This is the most perfect s’mores i’ve ever seen! Really!!
Mmmmmmm! Looks delicious! My favorite mashmallow recipe is probably a toasted marshmallow milkshake! delicious…
Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake… that sounds delicious!
http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2011/05/toasted-marshmallow-milkshake.html
Here’s the recipe I used, they came out really good!
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I love marshmallows roasted over an open flame camping but this would take it to a whole new level! I can’t wait to try this out!!
Torn between rice krispy treats and campfire s’mores.
Nope, definitely campfire s’mores–but only if they’re charred black in the coals. ^_^
Just liked you on FaceBook. Love your site–just found you thru FoodGawker. <3
Theses are really interesting actually. I just showed the webpage to my sister and half joked that I’d make them for her next week, but i’m actually seriously considering it now. Hope the day is treating you well! It’s crazy sunny here on vancouver island.
I love love rice krispie treats.
This looks delicious! I’m gonna make it. The only problem is there will probably not be any for anyone else. LOL.
My fav marshmallow treat is straight up roasted over a fire…all nice and gooey!
These smores look awesome…I can’t wait to try and make them!
I love all things marshmallow. But this recipe might convert my non loving hubby … Which would then make it my favorite! Otherwise Krispy trats and s’mores in all their varied splendor are my favs. Good luck in the contest!
I love carmellows!
Caramel covered marshmallows.
Yummy!
I love both pumpkin pie and crème brulee!
Your maple bacon smores is definitely going straight to my top 10
[...] Maple Bacon S’mores [...]
Well, up until reading this, my favorite thing with marshmallows in it was hot chocolate. Pretty sure I’ve got a new favorite now!!
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I started playing with marshmallows while living in Wyoming (9 month winters will do that to you!). Experimented with flavoring, dipping, and cooking with them – and am so happy to see all the new ideas on what to do with a great, homemade marshmallow! My favorites are the classics . .. chocolate-covered, caramel-dipped . .. but they make a great swizzle stick(on a stick, of course) in my hot chai lattes, too!
S’mores are for sure our no1 marshamallow treat! Yours looks incredible!
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I’m a fan of some good-ol’ marshmallowy rice crispy treats. Heck, even a gourmet needs to enjoy the kid in her ;D
Great post. I love making homemade marshmallows and these sound fabulous. The homemade graham crackers are now on my list of must make items as well!
OMG! How can you go wrong…BACON! MARSHMALLOWS! and GRAHAM CRACKERS!!!! My mouth is watering just thinking about this. I can’t wait to be able to try it. Your recipes just make my day. I look forward to seeing what you are going to post so I can try it myself! Thanks for all your recipes and happy cooking!
Not too creative, but I’d have to say smores, of course. Someday I’ll get ambitious and make it with homemade marshmallows AND homemade graham crackers! (I already follow you on FB and get your newsletter).
I subscribed! And I like you on Facebook — but am just glad that I found your blog so I can follow you. Marshmallows are a favorite of mine (never could stand the store-bought kind – so had to try them myself to see what all the fuss was about – no comparison to homemade!) — and I’d have to say mango-marshmallows are my favorite so far. Simple with pure fruits. Yumm. Thanks for the great ideas with this post today – can’t wait to try it out!
I love anything rocky road. Whether it be candy or ice cream.
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Marshmellows have been on my culinary to do list since I saw Chuck from Chucks Day Off make them. But I Will be doing them with some bacon when I do!
I totally saw that episode!! Gotta love the Chuck
Wow I am drooling at the last couple of bacon recipes. You have outdone yourself!
I will shamefully admit to my favorite marshmallow treat as Lucky Charms. Too many good childhood memories associated with them, I think.
I can see this becoming my new favorite, though. Candied bacon mmmmmmmmm.
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My favorite marshmallow treats are the Peeps that are available around Easter. I found a recipe online a while back for homemade Peeps but have yet to try them. This recipe sounds very intriguing with the bacon.
I like to put marshmallows in my ice cream. They taste the best if you get cotton candy or smores ice cream. I put the marshmallows in a bowl, warm them up in the microwave for about 20 seconds, mix them in a bowl of ice cream and enjoy some fluffy ice cream. The combination of the textures and taste explode in your mouth.
I haven’t made these – yet – but I think this is my favorite marshmallow recipe. Wow and yum!
[...] over to Kitchen Konfidence (a new blog find, but one I’ll be bookmarking) to find out how to make these are see more [...]
Nothing like starting off Marsh Madness with a bang – your marshmallows are just beautiful! (And bacon is the “way to win” I learned at a chef-blogger cookoff a couple of weeks ago!) Good luck!! Mine posts tomorrow
Such a fun twist on smores. Love how tall and beautiful they are.
ooh… strangely, my favorite marshmallow treat is to microwave them until they’re almost as dry as meringues and just eating them.
Smores are my favorite way to use marshmallows. It reminds me of my youth, camping with my friends. BTW, your link for Recipe Digest appears to be broken. Thanks for the giveaway. I’m very much interested in making home made marshmallows.
at xmas time my sister makes these things that we call “log”. i think they are actually called stained glass windows. it’s multi colored mini marshmellows & chocolate/butter, molded into a log that you slice. they’re pretty & tasty!
So happy to have seen this as marshmallows have been on my list too ( previous attempts failed).So going to try soon.
Wowzers, this looks insanely good! Yum, totally delicious!
My favorite marshmallow treat would have to be s’mores. Pretty easy decision since s’mores definitely make my top 10 dessert list
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My favorite mallow treat has to be a rice krispie treat. They remind me of my childhood.:)
My favorite treat with marshmallows is hot chocolate!!!!! Yummy!
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i pretty much love homemade marshmallows…and have been known to eat copious amounts of the dazzling little darlings all by their lonesome, however if you turn them into anything s’mores i am in heaven….s’mores…s’mores brownies….s’mores cupcakes…you get my drift. ;o)
I like marshmallows on their own; Just a simple sweet treat. But I am pretty sure I’ll be loving the maple bacon smores.
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I like cookies with the really miniature marshmallow in it
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my times were wrong, I entered at 11.43 AM
No worries – it may just be because you are in a different time zone. I have your entries counted
Thanks!!
My favorite is just plain old marshmallows roasted over an open fire. However, give a choice between those and your s’mores, your recipe wins hands down!
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And, my favorite treat with marshmallows is definitely s’mores! Every few weeks my friends and I get together at our one friend’s house (who has a fire pit in her backyard) to roast marshmallows and make s’mores… mmm!
Do lucky charms count? Teehee! I love homemade marshmallows in my hot cocoa.
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I have subscribed, although I haven’t received anything yet. :-\
I love to make homemade candy bars with homemade marshmallows. My favorite was homemade marshmallows with shortbread/graham cracker cookie covered in chocolate with sea salt!
[...] Coast Bracket 2/20: Serious Eats 2/21: Kitchen Konfidence 2/22: Love Veggies & Yoga 2/23: TeenieCakes 2/24: Kitchen [...]
These look AWESOME! I love marshmallows. I found this recipe when searching for one after a dream I had about marshmallows. Not kidding. I love them so much I dream about them. I like to eat the fresh ones straight up, but otherwise combined with chocolate in any fashion works for me!
I’ll have to admit that I wish more of my dreams included marshmallows. Lucky!
You see a lot of recipes for s’mores; bacon; chocolate… but ALL TOGETHER? zomg – YUM.
HA!! Thanks
I know I am late to the party, but I had to stop by and say how bad ass these smores look. Im not even a smores fan and I want to try one of these bad boys!
Haha, thanks Kita! They are super tasty.
[...] One: West Coast Blog: Kitchen Konfidence Marshmallow: Maple Bacon S’mores Why We Love It: The campfire classic gets updated with BACON! How could any sweet tooth carnivores [...]
I guess I’m too late for the contest, but I wanted to say your smores look delicious! My weakness is I love chocolate cupcakes filled with marshmallow creme!
These marshmallows sound killer. I know its a super late response to when you posted this recipe but I was out of the country and not doing anything blog related. Glad that I saw them now as I totally want a bacon marshmallow. YUM!
[...] Coast Bracket: 2/21: Kitchen Konfidence 2/22: Love Veggies & Yoga 2/23: TeenieCakes 2/24: Kitchen [...]
These look AWESOME!!!! Love the Maple/Bacon combo……can’t wait to try!
[...] can completely customize your own candied Bacon recipe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxDJLeYoa1ACandied Bacon Recipe These are some of my favorite candied bacon recipe choices. These recipes are p…f my favorite candied bacon recipe choices. These recipes are perfect for making this salacious [...]
My favorite thing with marshmallows in it is a bag! I could just eat a bag in one sitting. My daughter is a bacon freak so this recipe will definately be tried. Looks amazing!!!!
OK – these look awesome… bacon…marshmallow …chocolate… YES PLEASE. Candied Bacon… yum.
Congratulations, Brandon on the big bracket win!! Your whole set is definitely an entire notch above, worthy of a win and then some!
Congrats are in order for the win on Marsh Madness, Brandon! Well done and beautifully executed maple bacon smores.
How fun to go to WS!!
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